Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Is Transmission Temperature The primary indicator

[JField]

Can the transmission be damaged when towing in OD even if the temperature stays low? My trans temp is being taken on the hot line out of the transmission. My towing speed averages about 60 mph and 1900 rpm. the temp ranges between 140 on level ground and rises to 180 on level ground on hot days. It peaks at around 230 on steep grades and when backing the trailer into the driveway. I have 4. 10s gears and the trailer is a 24 ft travel trailer approx. 5000 pounds. No modifications to transmission and it doesn't slip at this point.

TELL me what you guys think

Thanks,

JField

 

[CumminsPuller]

transmission temps.......

JField... ... I think the readings you are getting are fine. They are right in line with what I get. Your transmission temperature will be higher on hot days. You being in California and me in Louisiana we are both in hot weather we just have a bit more humidity. I noticed last night coming home it was cooler outside that my transmission temp was down around 140-145 where on the hot days (90+) my transmission reads about 150-155. Those transmission temps are the same wether i am in OD or if i am locked out in third. I have 3. 55 gears, so if my load is heavy enough OD stays locked out and at 60 mph i am turning about 2450 rpm. And backing up I have the same problem, my transmission temp gauge climbs very fast, up to around 230 like yours does. So I just hurry and get backed up then throw it in neutral.



Did you say when you climb steep grades your transmission gets to about 230 aswell?



Hope this info helps... let me know if you have any questions.



JaSON

 

[pwr2tow]

As long as your transmission is not hunting in and out of lockup and third or OD than it is safe to tow in OD. For peace of mind with my stock transmission I use to drive in OD on flat level ground and 3rd in the hills. With my modified transmission I drive in OD all the time except very long steep grades, then I put it in 3rd.



If those 230 temperatures are towing in lockup than something is slipping. I am no transmission person by anyones definition but I have never seen temps over 180 degrees as long as the transmission is locked up, less than 170 (usually around 140) on my modified transmission and 180 before the modifications.



Backing into a site with a load can cause high trany temps no matter if the transmission is modified or stock, so those temps could be perceived as normal although I would try and keep them under 210 if at all possible. Some say that temps even up to 250--260 range are O. K. for short periods unlocked or backing but for peace of mind I would avoid those temps if at all possible



All temps are from the hot line out of the transmission.

Hope this helped.



Ron



Ron

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

I have 4. 10 gears, Auto trans. I run around at 160-180* all the time during the summer. I live in the desert too. If I am hauling horses(6) I too can see the temps go up in od. I would say that if you stay above 60 mph with your gears. You will be fine towing in od. I have found that if I stay at or around 2100 rpm's I can haul all day with no problems.